Barbecue and wine in midsummer
Midsummer is still peaceful, and the grass has not stopped. On July 6, 2019, Mr. Billy Pang, an Ontario member of Parliament, went to Mr. Zhaoan Sui's house for a barbecue party in his constituency Markham-Unionville.
Party photo
Around 4 pm, Billy's enthusiastic volunteer team and friends from the Canada Gansu Federation of Chamber of Commerce arrived at the host's house one after another. In the room, lilies and roses exude a delicate fragrance in the vase. The little red maple in the backyard swayed in the wind. The barbecue grill has been set up, and the parasol has been opened. Cheers and laughter inside and outside.
Everyone prepared some special dishes. Mr. Junchang Yang, president of the Gansu Community Association of Canada, and his wife, Nancy, brought authentic gluttons from Lanzhou. The scones made by Mr. Jiaqing Zhu, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and his wife, Ms. Shanqi Yu, were so delicious that they were robbed by the children. Vice President Ms. Dongmei Wei, Secretary Ms. Selina, Director Susan, Mr. Lixing Luo, Ms. Danyun Xiao carefully prepared mutton skewers and other exquisite food, just waiting for cooking. Xiaoning Wang, the vice president of the board of directors, specially made "Billy, 2019!" to wish Billy a happy work and a happy family. Billy smiled happily.
The owner prepares the oven
Billy's volunteer team and friends from the Chamber of Commerce prepare food
Xiaoning Wang, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, wishes: Billy, 2019!
At 5 pm, the party officially began. The first is the host Mr. Zhaoan Sui speaking. He happily welcomes friends to have a gathering at home.
Mr. Sui said that this is the third time to entertain Canadian political friends at home. On June 12, 2015, he supported Ms. Bin Chang, a first generation immigrant from mainland China, to participate in the parliamentary elections, and invited the then Federal Minister of Foreign Trade, Mr. Edward Fast, and many entrepreneurs and friends to visit our home.
On August 12, 2018, he supported Mr. Xiang Wang's participation in the election of the Markham City Councillor and had BBQ in his backyard. Provincial councillors Mr. Billy Pang and Mr. Wenbin Ke are the first guests to visit the house. Mr. Bowen Liao later said that the event was very successful and the fundraising plan was successfully completed.
This time, Billy and many friends came to the barbecue party at home and talked about each other. As he was talking, Mr. Lixing Luo folded a flower with a paper towel and held it to Mr. Sui, saying in a naive manner: You are a good citizen of Markham. Send you a big red flower. Everyone is happy!
Mr. Sui welcomes Billy and friends to visit our house
Send you a big red flower!
Then Billy spoke. Humble and unpretentious. He thanked the volunteer team for their strong support and the host's warm hospitality. Talking about the work situation since taking office. Usually in the Downtown Provincial Parliament Building, and mostly in the Markham constituency on weekends. He tried to devote more time to serve his constituency and listen to the voice of the people.
Talking about the voters' understanding of the work of provincial legislators. Billy said, thank you very much for your trust and support. At any time, I remind myself that you chose me not because I am smarter than you, but because I am willing to listen to you. You must remember "bother me". Don't be afraid of "trouble" me. I will definitely convey your voice to the provincial assembly and the provincial government.
Billy talked about a point. He said that democracy is not right or wrong, it is the number of people. The majority of Chinese in Markham District have serious concerns about the legalization of marijuana. He organized a public consultation meeting in Markham on the topic of "legalization of marijuana". The number of applicants previously exceeded one hundred. He confidently invited provincial officials and other legislators to listen to the opinions of the people. Unexpectedly, only a handful of more than twenty people attended the meeting that night. Very regrettable! He once again said sincerely: Please participate more in community public affairs and actively express your opinions.
The third speaker was Ron, the York Region District School Board Trustee. He introduced the basic situation of education in York. He said that our Chinese community attaches great importance to education, which is great! He is very happy to communicate with parents and convey the ideas of parents and children to the York Region District School Board. Ron emphasized that don't worry about telling the unsatisfactory points, this can help our children get a better education.
Billy said: The number of people is the most important!
Billy sincerely appeals to everyone to participate more in community public affairs
First from right: Mr. Ron Lynn, YRDSB Trustee
The sun is hot. Mr. Bowen Liao and Mr. Jizheng Fan were grilling for everyone. Friends are not restrained at all while eating and talking. I originally thought that Billy was from Hong Kong and could not eat spicy food. Unexpectedly, Billy said, I can eat spicy food and like Lanzhou Stuffed Pi. Wow! No wonder that Billy looks gentle on the outside, but has great strength on the inside.
Ontario's education policy has caused a lot of controversy. I still remember what happened at the Ford Governor’s fundraising dinner earlier this year. Many students protested in front of the Toronto Congress Center, blocking traffic. Teachers and students at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School in York Region were also heard complaining about the provincial government's cuts in education funding. Today I have the opportunity to ask Billy and Ron.
Billy introduced the general situation of education in Ontario. Said that the provincial government attaches great importance to education. After reviewing and evaluating the current state of education in Ontario, it has cut unnecessary expenses and increased necessary funds in certain areas. In general, Ontario has increased investment in education.
Billy said: I heard some comments that surprised me. But I will not comment immediately. Will check first. Find relevant information and data required by relevant departments. I will speak with real data. The ratio of students to teachers in Ontario is 10:1 today. There is no information on which school fired a teacher. The information I got was that the teacher resigned automatically or retired normally. In my opinion, if you want to really understand a certain policy, it is best to read the full content on the relevant official website. This is more comprehensive and will not be taken out of context and cause misunderstanding. Everyone nodded.
The lamb skewers grilled by Mr. Fan are really tempting!
Everyone and Billy talk freely
Unknowingly, it was 7 o'clock in the evening, and the slanting sun shone in the backyard. Billy got up to leave. Everyone is still in the mood, longing to meet again.
Back left to right: Susan, Xiaoning Wang, Shanqi Yu, Dongmei Wei, Qiongying Song, Selina
Front left to right: Jiaqing Zhu, Junchang Yang, Ron Lynn, Billy Pang, Zhaoan Sui, Lixing Luo